Beat breast cancer, naturally
by Louise O’Connor, ND 25 Jun 2012
Breast cancer continues to devastate the lives of far too many. More alarming is the fact breast cancer incidence is on the rise. Some health activists now argue it’s time to demystify this disease and tackle the very real causes of this deadly epidemic.
For an overwhelming majority of women, breast cancer is not passed on by way of genes; it is acquired over many years. Awareness is growing of the unacceptable burden that a lifetime of environmental exposure may have on risk. Women are continually bombarded with a cocktail of dangerous environmental chemicals with the potential to fuel cancer cell growth.
Environmental triggers
Mounting evidence - including recent major studies in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health and Cancer - indicates exposure to numerous environmental pollutants is contributing to the rapidly rising breast cancer rates observed over the past several decades. Along with widespread global industrialisation, an extensive range of chemicals have flooded the environment. As individuals and as a population we are now exposed to shifting patterns of use and these toxic compounds tend to be released into the environment as mixtures, rather than individual chemicals.
Harmful substances from our increasingly polluted world can act as mammary carcinogens, which are chemicals that cause mammary tumours in animals, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Deep within the body, more and more human-made environmental chemicals are interacting at a cell level with devastating adverse effects. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are synthetic chemicals that are regarded as the most dangerous. POPs remain intact in the environment for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of living organisms and are toxic to humans and wildlife. POPs circulate globally and can cause damage wherever they travel.
The dirty dozen
The ‘dirty dozen’, as they are known, are the most dangerous POPs. They include nine organochlorine pesticides, along with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins and furans. These chemicals have a history of use in pest control, crop production and industry. POPS are highly stable and can resist degradation for a long time.
The authority to influence major initiatives to beat rising breast cancer incidence may be beyond the control of the individual. However, we do all have the power to take individual action to reduce contact with hazardous environmental toxins. Some steps you can take right now to make your everyday living a little greener include: choose organically produced food to minimise your chemical exposure and the toxic burden on the environment; use eco-friendly household cleaning products; avoid wearing perfume and other products with fragrances; and change to plastic-free food storage containers. To educate yourself about reducing chemical exposure for you and your family, visit The Green Guide at www.thegreenguide.com.
‘Pink-washing’
For women, there is little doubt that toxic chemicals contained within cosmetics and personal care products provide a major route of exposure. Despite their potential to cause harm, many synthetic chemicals contained in these products are largely unregulated. Back in 2003, Breast Cancer Action coined the term ‘pinkwashing’, referring to companies that exploit the good intentions of consumers by promoting pink ribbon products which are in themselves linked to breast cancer. A growing number of ethical companies now agree that safe is beautiful. Positive buying favours products from progressive companies who are truly committed to consumer safety.
The latest news
Bisphenol A The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently joined a chorus of concerns over bisphenol A (BPA). Exposure to this endocrine disruptor is widespread as it leaches into food from the protective internal coatings of canned foods and from consumer products, such as polycarbonate tableware, food storage containers, water bottles and baby bottles.
Dietary fibre You may not be able to change your family history, but you can control what you eat and drink. According to a review in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, consuming more vegetables and whole grains, and drinking less alcohol might trim your chance of developing breast cancer. In addition, research reveals new insights into why a fibre-rich diet confers protection. Beneficial dietary fibre plays a broader role than previously speculated. Soluble fibre controls insulin and insulin-like growth factors. It is well established insulin acts as a powerful growth promoter in breast tissue. A low sugar diet is the best way to reduce insulin levels.
Breast implants Considerable safety concerns have been raised regarding silicone gel-filled breast implants. Despite evidence that implants can interfere with mammographic visualisation, there is limited long term evidence available to establish breast cancer risk. However the body’s normal response to a foreign object such as a breast implant is to form a shell or a capsule of scar tissue around it. In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) continues to investigate the safety of implants. If you experience unusual breast symptoms associated with breast implants, contact your medical specialist immediately for follow-up
Vitamin D Compelling evidence – including significant recent studies in Cancer Prevention and the Journal of Clinical Oncology - links low D3 (cholecalciferol) with breast cancer. Restoring this nutrient remains an important preventive strategy to safeguard breast health. An evaluation of blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D remains the most reliable indicator of vitamin D status. In his ground-breaking book The Vitamin D Solution. A Three-Step Strategy To Cure Our Most Common Health Problem, pioneering researcher Michael F. Holick PhD, MD advocates maintaining a blood level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D of at least 100–150nmol/L. Holick’s research reveals women who are deficient at the time of diagnosis are nearly 75 percent more likely to succumb to the disease than women with sufficient levels.
Iodine Global variations in risk leads to speculation dietary factors may play a role. The observed low occurrence of breast cancer among Japanese women consuming a traditional diet is attributed mainly to a high intake of dietary iodine. Japanese women who emigrate from Japan or adopt a Western diet lose this protective advantage. A decrease in iodine leads to an increased sensitivity of breast tissue to the negative effects of oestrogen.
Household cleaners A new retrospective study published in Environmental Health has reported household cleaning products and air fresheners contribute to increased breast cancer risk. The chemicals used in household cleaners and air fresheners are known or suspected carcinogens. In addition, significant cumulative exposure may result from products designed to provide intermittent bursts of aroma in the home and fresheners designed to be sprayed on furniture.
Yoga for cancer care
For women fighting breast cancer, taking up yoga can have huge emotional benefits. A study reported in Psycho-Oncology found that women with breast cancer who attended yoga classes once a week had a 50 percent reduction in depression and a 12 percent increase in feelings of peace after the sessions. Interestingly, the findings were strongest in women who started the classes with greater negativity and fear.
Plant power
* According to the US National Cancer Institute, mistletoe (Viscum album) is a potential anticancer agent and extracts – marketed under the names of Iscador, Eurixor and Isorel, and available primarily in Germany and England – have been shown to kill cancer cells in vitro and to stimulate immune system cells.
* Oxindole alkaloids isolated from the herb cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) have demonstrated anti-tumour and anticancer activity, at least in test tubes. In a Swedish study, researchers found that cat’s claw inhibited human breast cancer cells by a remarkable 90 percent. Other studies show it may help heal immune cell damage.
* A University of Washington study published in Life Sciences suggests that artemisinin, a compound in wormwood (Artemisia annua) can target and kill breast cancer cells without harming normal cells. A possible explanation is that artemisinin reacts with high iron concentrations and cancer cells – which require iron to replicate – have up to 15 times more iron receptors than normal cells.
* A study in the European Journal of Cancer shows that silibinin, a compound in milk thistle (Silybum marianium), boosts the efficacy of breast cancer drugs. In a study in Cancer Letters another compound, silybin, demonstrated direct anticancer effects against breast cancer cells, possibly by slowing the cell growth cycle.
* Snack on walnuts - according to a study from Marshall University in the USA, eating a handful of omega-3-rich walnuts daily may reduce the incidence of breast cancer.
* According to a study from St Louis University, published in Cancer Research, bitter melon (Momordica charantia) extract, which is already known as a traditional remedy for diabetes in Ayurvedic medicine, has also been shown to exert a significant effect against breast cancer cells. The test tube study showed that the extract decreased the growth and division of breast cancer cells, while also inducing their death.
Need more info?
Breast Cancer Action http://bcaction.org
Environmental Working Group http://www.ewg.org
Our Stolen Future http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/index.htm
Silent Spring Institute http://www.silentspring.org
Think Before You Pink http://thinkbeforeyoupink.org
Louise O'Connor is a leading Australian naturopath who writes and educates on women’s natural health. Louise swears by a fresh organic diet and yoga to keep her healthy. Visit her at www.natural-weightloss-programs.com.
